Daily Times

A delegation from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its President Kashif Anwar, visited the Gujranwala Business Centre (GBC), here on Friday.

LCCI Executive Committee Members Fareeha Younas, Raja Hassan Akhter and Usman Nawaz were also part of delegation.

The GBC, which stands as Pakistan’s largest public sector organisation, represents a consortium of 50 prominent companies from Gujranwala. Over the years, the GBC has emerged as a vital platform for businesses to showcase their products, both to enhance their export potential and to capture a larger share of the local market. The centre plays a critical role in facilitating business transactions and fostering economic growth in the region.

The LCCI President Kashif Anwar expressed his admiration for the efforts undertaken by GBC to promote local businesses. He informed the participants that LCCI has 40,000 active members. He praised the GBC as a leading initiative in the country. Additionally, LCCI has signed MoUs with hospitals, educational institutions and others to facilitate its members and is working diligently to establish positive and fruitful linkages between industry and academia.

He stressed the importance of regional collaboration in achieving broader economic objectives and reiterated LCCI’s commitment to supporting such initiatives. He said that the synergy between LCCI and GBC would be crucial in unlocking new business opportunities and enhancing the economic landscape of the region.

The president also pointed out that the LCCI is keen on leveraging its resources and network to assist GBC in expanding its international footprint. Kashif Anwar assured that LCCI would continue to advocate for policies that facilitate trade and investment, not only in Lahore but across all key industrial hubs, including Gujranwala.

During the visit, Chairman GBC Ahmad Ikram Rauf provided a comprehensive overview of the center’s operations, highlighting its strategic initiatives aimed at promoting Gujranwala’s industrial prowess on both national and international fronts. He noted that GBC has become a focal point for international business activity, having successfully hosted more than 25 international delegations in last six months. These visits have not only strengthened existing business relationships but have also opened up new markets for local companies, enhancing their export capabilities.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the discussion on GBC’s export initiatives. Chairman GBC shared that the center’s ambitious export plan has already begun yielding positive results, with products now being exported to three countries: Sri Lanka, South Sudan and Uganda. This expansion into international markets underscores GBC’s commitment to drive economic growth and positioning Gujranwala as a key player in the global marketplace.